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Mod | | | Forums66 Topics128,050 Posts1,055,671 Members48,426 | | Most Online14,466
Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
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For helping keep this great
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down
with Ads!  Again, thanks!
| | | | Joined: Jul 2022 Posts: 62 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2022 Posts: 62 | What was the first year for an automatic trans option in a Chevy pickup?
1953 Chevy 3100I have recreated my Dad's old work truck with a 5 window.Photos | | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | I think it was 54 but someone will let us know fpr sure. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,811 Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT | | Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,811 | Redbird, Alvin is right on the money! According to this resource on the 1954 Chevrolet Trucks, an "automatic" transmission was first listed as optional equipment for Chevy light trucks.. I checked '53 and earlier Chevrolet documents and there was no mention of an optional automatic transmission. On a related note, this resource document on 1953 GMC Truck Hydramatic Transmissions indicates GMC offered it 1 year earlier in their 1953 light duty trucks. This is after some variations had already been used in various WWII military vehicles and the M135 series 2.5 ton trucks starting in 1950 (info in above document). Lots more articles and info can be found through web searches on "Hydramatic" transmissions. Dan
Last edited by Gdads51; 05/04/2023 2:00 PM.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100Follow this story in the DITY Gallery"My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine"1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2022 Posts: 2,444 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2022 Posts: 2,444 | All '52 GMC PM-150 trucks came with the Dual-Range Hydramatic. This was a "step van" on a 3/4 ton chassis. Sort of a 1952 version of a modern UPS truck.
Last edited by Bill Hanlon; 05/04/2023 4:04 PM.
'57 GMC 102, Original 347 V8, HydraMatic, 3.08 rear gear, added A/C, disk front brakes, HEI, AFB carb, '98 Honda Black Currant paint. T-boned and totaled 10/12
'52 GMC 152 Stake Bed, Original 228, SM420, added A/C, HEI, disk front brakes, '67 Chev 3.55 rear gear. Gets used as a real truck.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,811 Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT | | Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,811 | All, I have moved this conversation over to the Driveline forum for further conversation and info sharing. Thanks Bill for that added info on the Hydramatic's in '52 GMC PM-150's. Dan
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100Follow this story in the DITY Gallery"My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine"1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
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